Chymase

/ˈkaɪmeɪz/ noun

Definition

An enzyme found in mast cells (immune cells) that breaks down proteins and helps regulate inflammation in the body.

Etymology

From 'chyme' (digested food) + '-ase' (enzyme suffix). Though named after chyme, this enzyme was discovered in immune cells and catalyzes protein breakdown, showing how enzyme naming can reference digestive processes even when the enzyme works elsewhere.

Kelly Says

Chymase is a sneaky enzyme hiding in your immune cells that's involved in everything from allergic reactions to tissue repair—it's why some people are exploring chymase inhibitors as a new way to treat allergies and asthma rather than just masking symptoms.

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